Long is general counsel for Pizza Hut in Fort Wayne, where he has worked for 20 years. He said he will stay in Fort Wayne and even keep his Pizza Hut office on West Jefferson Boulevard.

He will pay rent for the space and could still provide some legal services to Pizza Hut but it would be through Ice Miller.

Ice Miller is one of the largest law firms in Indianapolis and one of the 150 largest firms in the U.S. It employs more than 300 lawyers and 40 paraprofessionals in seven offices around the country, including Indianapolis, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

The firm works with a wide range of clients, including individuals, local, regional, and national corporations, not-for-profit organizations, colleges and universities, governments and sanctioning bodies.

Long said the law firm is really growing and he hopes to use the contacts and relationships he has developed over the years to spread the brand to other states.

He said the opportunity came up after session ended in March.

“This is a national firm that is growing,” Long said. “I'm looking forward to it. I'm turning a page.”

As the Senate transitions, Long said he is slowly handing over the reins to Bray. For example, Bray will appoint any laypersons to summer study committees and will also work with the caucus on a legislative agenda for 2019.

Long's last day in office will be Nov. 6, and Bray will take over the top role later that month on Organization Day. The full Senate will then have a chance vote to approve him.

Long said he will focus on two things in his remaining tenure.

The first is working on possible solutions for the struggling Indiana Department of Child Services. A report is expected next week from an outside consultant hired by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Legislative Council – made up of leaders in the House and Senate – will hold hearings on the topic following that.

Long also will work onfinishing a sexual harassment policy and training for legislators and staff.